Gerresheimer AG has completed a comprehensive expansion and modernisation project at its production site in Lohr.
The project had a total volume of around 100 million euros and took more than two years to complete. A central component was the replacement of one of the two melting tanks with a new oxy-hybrid melting tank.
The new plant has an increased melting capacity and can cover up to 50 per cent of its energy requirements with electricity. The hybrid technology is expected to reduce CO₂e emissions by up to 40 per cent compared to conventional furnaces. The Lohr site already uses around 70 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources; this share is set to increase to 100 per cent by 2030.
In addition to the furnace, new power lines, supply buildings, production facilities and an adiabatic cooling system were installed as part of the construction work. According to the company, the latter is characterised by higher energy efficiency and lower water consumption compared to conventional systems.
The furnace was replaced during ongoing amber glass production operations over a period of around four months from January 2025. Several production lines with modern systems replaced. Some of them are equipped with an AI-supported inspection system for quality assurance, which was developed by Gerresheimer itself, according to the company.
Around 500 people are employed at the Lohr site. Among other things, it produces Glass containers for the pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries. The facility is one of the three German plants in the Moulded Glass division and is part of a global network of eight sites in this area.
According to Gerresheimer, the investment is intended to expand capacity for future growth while continuing to pursue its own sustainability goals.
Source: Gerresheimer
